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Posted by Brian Manzullo

Detroit Free Press Sports Writer

Shouldn’t we see how these guys play on the field before we start handing out grades?

Nonetheless, the NFL draft experts have spoken, grading all 32 NFL teams following the 3-day draft gala in New York City. For the Detroit Lions, the opinion is fairly universal: They get a B or a B-. (Except there was one D grade.)

Here’s a roundup:

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Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN: B. “Ezekiel Ansah is an unfinished product as a defensive end, and I have questions about how much he can contribute in 2013, but he converts speed to power well and that power can take tackles into the pocket, where QBs will step up into the strength of the defense. Or at least that's the hope. But the bottom line is DE was the top need, and the Lions got the top 4-3 option in the draft. Darius Slay was a slight reach on my board at No. 34, but I don't mind the pick at all. Huge need, and I have him penciled in as a starter. Same story with Larry Warford, who should start at guard after being taken in the third.”

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Chris Burke, Sports Illustrated: B-. “My favorite pick of Detroit’s draft: G Larry Warford in Round 3. He’s a monster and the Lions badly need a player like him up front. TE Michael Williams (Round 7) also will fit in nicely. The picks of DEs Ziggy Ansah and Devin Taylor and of CB Darius Slay could help, too, but all three have warts. Plus, a Round 5 punter?”

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Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: B. “They weren't in position to get an elite left tackle, but otherwise, Martin Mayhew and Jim Schwartz hit on important areas. BYU first-rounder Ezekiel Ansah has freakish pass-rush potential, and later, they got more a polished complementary defensive end in South Carolina's Devin Taylor. They didn't forget their offensive line, as Kentucky guard Larry Warford can start to boost their running game. Mississippi State cornerback Darius Slay has the size and speed to start outside in coverage right away, too.”

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Evan Silva, Rotoworld: B-. “Left tackle seemed to be GM Martin Mayhew's biggest need entering the draft, but his selections indicate he feels otherwise. Mayhew must have a lot of faith in 2012 first-rounder Riley Reiff. He bypassed Menelik Watson for Slay. Rather than Terron Armstead, Mayhew selected Warford to add a mauling presence at right guard. I still found this to be a value-heavy draft. Ansah, Slay, and Warford are Week 1 starters. Taylor, Fuller, Williams, and even versatile Riddick could make year-one impacts. Ansah has been knocked as a possible bust by some observers, but the Lions' coaching staff has special insight after coaching him in Mobile. I thought Mayhew stayed true to his board and -- aside from perhaps the punter -- drafted the best available at each pick.”

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Rob Rang, CBSSports.com: C+. “Jim Schwartz and his staff coached Ziggy Ansah at the Senior Bowl and, as such, know him as well as anyone. The BYU product has a terrific upside, especially considering he'll have the defensive tackles in Detroit to complement him. I liked Detroit's second day, as well. While not flashy, highly athletic cover corner Darius Slay and earth-mover Larry Warford could compete for starting roles immediately. I wasn't as high on the Lions' third-day selections, however. Devin Taylor has the length and motor to earn a role but lacks flexibility. Similarly, wide receiver Corey Fuller (vertical threat) and tight end Michael Williams (blocker) were viewed as one-trick ponies who might have to find niche roles as specialists.”

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John McClain, Houston Chronicle: B. “They needed an outside pass rusher to replace Cliff Avril, their best pass rusher. Ansah is raw, but he’s loaded with ability and has a tremendous work ethic. If Slay develops, he could start as a rookie. Warford was a top guard prospect who was projected to go in the second round.”

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Randy Covitz, Kansas City Star: D. “Ansah is a boom-or-bust pick with sky-scraping potential but minimal experience. Departures of Kyle Vanden Bosch and Cliff Avril made selections of Ansah and Taylor a must, but the Lions also lost both starting offensive tackles. Slay was just a one-year starter and has a knee issue. Warford could replace the released Stephen Peterman.”